NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2007
Contact: Diane Brossart
Valley Forward Association
(602) 240-2408

VALLEY FORWARD LIVABILITY SUMMIT TO HOST EXPERTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Five Nationally Renowned Authorities Share Causes, Effects
and Solutions with Valley Residents

PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 12, 2007) – On April 27, as a local follow-up program to Al Gore’s recent live presentation of An Inconvenient Truth, Valley Forward Association will bring together five nationally renowned scientists, educators and private sector experts on climate change. These keynote speakers, along with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, will convene on global warming, renewable energy and sustainable development at the organization’s fourth annual Livability Summit.

The half-day forum titled, “Climate Change: Causes, Effects and Solutions” will spotlight public and private sector contributions to reduce greenhouse gases. As Arizona’s first carbon negative event, the Livability Summit will also cover other necessary efforts to aid the cause and facilitate meaningful public dialogue on building a sustainable future in the Valley.

Stanford University director of energy and sustainable development, David Victor; policy advisor and author, Terry Tamminen; global, economic, political and social trends author, Joel Kotkin; Oxford Center for Sustainable Development co-director, Susan Roaf; and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality director, Steve Owens, will each discuss their areas of expertise and how it affects the local community with actionable advice on solving the issue.

The event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., beginning with breakfast, registration and a preview of Valley Forward’s Resource Area. Speakers will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a short break from 9:45 to 10 a.m. The program will be moderated by local KTAR radio news personality, Ed Phillips, author of Greenhouse Factor, World Climate in Crisis, a book outlining the effects of global warming.

Distinguished keynote speakers’ timing and information are as follows.

DAVID VICTOR (8:15-9 a.m.)
Director of Stanford University's program on energy and sustainable development in addition to a professor of law, Victor is an internationally recognized expert on climate change causes and effects. As the first Livability Summit speaker, he will discuss a global perspective on climate change issues, including the politics, solutions and managing dangers; reform of electric power markets; emerging global market for natural gas; energy services for the world's poor; and the performance of state-controlled oil companies.

TERRY TAMMINEN (9-9:45 a.m.)
Best known for aiding California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in winning the historic recall election, Tamminen is the recipient of countless awards for environmental stewardship. He was appointed as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency in 2003 and later became cabinet secretary - chief policy advisory to the governor. Tamminen will discuss a national perspective on environmental issues, including global warming, air and water pollution and sprawling land use. He will note unlikely leaders working to solve these problems; the true cost of fossil fuel addiction; Arizona and California Climate Action Plans; and his experience in working with distinguished governmental leaders across the United States.

JOEL KOTKIN (10-10:45 a.m.)
An internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends, Kotkin recently co-authored an article in The Arizona Republic, calling for a North American Energy Alliance between the United States, Canada and Mexico. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book, The City: A Global History, from Modern Library. Taking a practical approach to building sustainable cities, Kotkin will converse on the effects of the digital revolution; recent studies on the future of major cities in the nation; and how to create a rational energy policy.

SUSAN ROAF (10:45-11:15 a.m.)
As professor of sustainable architecture at Oxford Brookes University, Roaf serves as a co-director of the Oxford Centre for Sustainable Development Architectural Research Unit. She is currently engaged in research, teaching and consultancy on energy, water, carbon reduction policy, climate change action planning and sustainability. Expounding on her architectural background, Roaf will outline the role of building design and its impact on climate change. Additionally, she will note proposed policies that ensure the implementation of technological solutions; creating livable communities through energy, water and sustainable development; and reasoning for local business involvement.

STEVE OWENS (11:15-11:45 a.m.)
As director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Steve coordinated Governor Napolitano's Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG), and he currently chairs the Governor's Climate Change Executive Committee, which is developing strategies for the Governor to implement the CCAG's recommendations. Owens will address the recommendations of the state's Climate Change Action Plan, the recently announced Western Regional Climate Action Initiative and steps for local citizens and businesses to take action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to these notable experts, Governor Napolitano will provide the luncheon remarks and answer questions at 12:15 p.m. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. the speakers will hold a panel discussion to address audience questions.

The Livability Summit is open to the public with advance reservations required. Seating is available for $135 per person and tables of 10 for $1,300. For more information on the Livability Summit, visit www.valleyforward.org or call 602-240-2408.

Established in 1969, Valley Forward Association is a non-profit organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to promote cooperative efforts that improve the livability and sustainability of Valley communities.